Hello, I just recently purchased a 2004 Gulf-Stream Travel trailer and I have a few concerns/questions because the owner before me did a poor job maintaining it.1. The black tank is full and I have no idea how long it has been full, could that cause problems?2. There are black streaks/grime all over the exterior of the trailer. I found that simple green and a Walmart magic eraser work, but I fear I may be cleaning the paint off too. What works best for cleaning the black streaks.3. After I clean the streaks I want to wax it, I read a lot of posts where people wax their campers 2-3 times a year, what kind of wax is best for aluminium sides?4. The factory decals are crap(sorry, only thing I can think of to properly describe it). What is a good website to order new decals/stickers.5. Does the battery get charged when the RV is plugged into shore power or do I need to buy a battery charger?6. What is the best way to clean and steralize the "clean" water tank?Well I think thats it for now. Thanks a bunch in advance.Coop....

How do you know the tank is full? Don't go by the sensors. Open the toilet flapper valve and LOOK down with a light. Should be able to see the bottom if empty or the other "stuff" if not. Sensors are notorious for being inaccurate. Copious amounts of water or a "wand" to loosen what's left. Simple Green works well and wax for aluminum will do it. I usually just wash mine with Zip Car Wash. Not rocket science. Mostly elbow grease and attention to detail. JMHO

Coopster217 wrote:1. The black tank is full and I have no idea how long it has been full, could that cause problems?5. Does the battery get charged when the RV is plugged into shore power or do I need to buy a battery charger?6. What is the best way to clean and steralize the "clean" water tank?1. Not in itself, unless the liquids were allowed to drain leaving the solids behind. THAT causes the dreaded poop pyramid and is greatly feared.5. Your converter is SUPPOSED to charge the batteries. That is, if it is working. When plugged in, you should get anywhere from 13.2v to 14.4v at the battery if it is charging.6. I started this thread early this spring to impart this information to new campers, and remind old campers: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27599829/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

Coopster217 wrote:Hello, I just recently purchased a 2004 Gulf-Stream Travel trailer and I have a few concerns/questions because the owner before me did a poor job maintaining it.1. The black tank is full and I have no idea how long it has been full, could that cause problems?2. There are black streaks/grime all over the exterior of the trailer. I found that simple green and a Walmart magic eraser work, but I fear I may be cleaning the paint off too. What works best for cleaning the black streaks.3. After I clean the streaks I want to wax it, I read a lot of posts where people wax their campers 2-3 times a year, what kind of wax is best for aluminium sides?4. The factory decals are crap(sorry, only thing I can think of to properly describe it). What is a good website to order new decals/stickers.5. Does the battery get charged when the RV is plugged into shore power or do I need to buy a battery charger?6. What is the best way to clean and steralize the "clean" water tank?Well I think thats it for now. Thanks a bunch in advance.Coop....1. Yes if it's really full. Don't believe the idiot lights. Fill it "carefully" with a water hose and dump it. You'll know pretty quickly.2. Many cleaning agents will remove the black streaks but some do not play well with aluminum. I would try some diluted "LA's Totally Awesome". It will also whiten yellowing plastic parts. It cost a dollar a bottle at the local dollar store. Also a little bleach in the wash water will help it look new again.3.Any good automotive wax will work fine.4. Why bother with new stickers? Let them fall off and customize it with what you like or nothing at all.5. The on-board convertor will charge the battery if it is working properly and the battery is good. There is a good chance you will have to replace the battery.6. Bleach is the preferred sterilizing agent. Do a search on the forum for freshwater sterilization for step by step instructions.

Wow, thanks guys or gals.Yes I was going off of the indicator that said it was full, I will check the poop chute in a bit.I will go to the dollar store tonight, thanks.How would I get the old ones off??? It just looks real bad. If I could post a pic I would show you all how bad it is.I will check the power line tonight as soon as I locate my multi-meter. Where would the inverter be located on the camper?Thanks again.Coop...

Coopster217 wrote:Hello, I just recently purchased a 2004 Gulf-Stream Travel trailer and I have a few concerns/questions because the owner before me did a poor job maintaining it.4. The factory decals are crap(sorry, only thing I can think of to properly describe it). What is a good website to order new decals/stickers. Coop....Mine has decals that went bad a few years ago. My RV Dealer has a decal that replaced the large one on the front of the TT nicely. I get a 10% discount on service and supplies for advertising them. :D He also told me the place they order from can customize decals as well. Our dog is lobbying hard to have his likeness on the TT.

A Few Questions from a new TT owner!!! | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Allworth
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2014
These days, almost any sign shop can computer cut the graphics of your choice (using a large catalogue of stock designs and letters/numbers) from sheets of self-adhesive vinyl in many colors.

When applied on a very clean surface (denatured alcohol) they will stay on better than the originals.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
You can use a heat gun and a plastic scraper to get rid of the decals. You'll need to look through YouTube videos use "remove RV decals" to search.

Or hire an RV detailer to do it.
mikeh449
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
hi coop I'm in kck need any help let me know by pm (by speedway)
MFinCA
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
Coopster217 wrote:
Hello, I just recently purchased a 2004 Gulf-Stream Travel trailer and I have a few concerns/questions because the owner before me did a poor job maintaining it.

4. The factory decals are crap(sorry, only thing I can think of to properly describe it). What is a good website to order new decals/stickers. Coop....
Mine has decals that went bad a few years ago. My RV Dealer has a decal that replaced the large one on the front of the TT nicely. I get a 10% discount on service and supplies for advertising them. :D He also told me the place they order from can customize decals as well. Our dog is lobbying hard to have his likeness on the TT.
Coopster217
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
Wow, thanks guys or gals.

Yes I was going off of the indicator that said it was full, I will check the poop chute in a bit.

I will go to the dollar store tonight, thanks.

How would I get the old ones off??? It just looks real bad. If I could post a pic I would show you all how bad it is.

I will check the power line tonight as soon as I locate my multi-meter. Where would the inverter be located on the camper?

Thanks again.

Coop...
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
Coopster217 wrote:
Hello, I just recently purchased a 2004 Gulf-Stream Travel trailer and I have a few concerns/questions because the owner before me did a poor job maintaining it.

1. The black tank is full and I have no idea how long it has been full, could that cause problems?

2. There are black streaks/grime all over the exterior of the trailer. I found that simple green and a Walmart magic eraser work, but I fear I may be cleaning the paint off too. What works best for cleaning the black streaks.

3. After I clean the streaks I want to wax it, I read a lot of posts where people wax their campers 2-3 times a year, what kind of wax is best for aluminium sides?

4. The factory decals are crap(sorry, only thing I can think of to properly describe it). What is a good website to order new decals/stickers.

5. Does the battery get charged when the RV is plugged into shore power or do I need to buy a battery charger?

6. What is the best way to clean and steralize the "clean" water tank?

Well I think thats it for now. Thanks a bunch in advance.

Coop....

1. Yes if it's really full. Don't believe the idiot lights. Fill it "carefully" with a water hose and dump it. You'll know pretty quickly.

2. Many cleaning agents will remove the black streaks but some do not play well with aluminum. I would try some diluted "LA's Totally Awesome". It will also whiten yellowing plastic parts. It cost a dollar a bottle at the local dollar store. Also a little bleach in the wash water will help it look new again.

3.Any good automotive wax will work fine.

4. Why bother with new stickers? Let them fall off and customize it with what you like or nothing at all.

5. The on-board convertor will charge the battery if it is working properly and the battery is good. There is a good chance you will have to replace the battery.

6. Bleach is the preferred sterilizing agent. Do a search on the forum for freshwater sterilization for step by step instructions.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Jun 02, 2014
Coopster217 wrote:
1. The black tank is full and I have no idea how long it has been full, could that cause problems?

5. Does the battery get charged when the RV is plugged into shore power or do I need to buy a battery charger?

6. What is the best way to clean and steralize the "clean" water tank?

1. Not in itself, unless the liquids were allowed to drain leaving the solids behind. THAT causes the dreaded poop pyramid and is greatly feared.

5. Your converter is SUPPOSED to charge the batteries. That is, if it is working. When plugged in, you should get anywhere from 13.2v to 14.4v at the battery if it is charging.

6. I started this thread early this spring to impart this information to new campers, and remind old campers:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27599829/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm
Turbo_Diesel_Du
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
How do you know the tank is full? Don't go by the sensors. Open the toilet flapper valve and LOOK down with a light. Should be able to see the bottom if empty or the other "stuff" if not. Sensors are notorious for being inaccurate. Copious amounts of water or a "wand" to loosen what's left. Simple Green works well and wax for aluminum will do it. I usually just wash mine with Zip Car Wash. Not rocket science. Mostly elbow grease and attention to detail. JMHO

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A Few Questions from a new TT owner!!!

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